Defining 'Energy Sources'

ENERGY SOURCES | Energy types include both the categories we use to group energy sources (like fossil fuels, alternatives, and renewables) and the resources we derive energy from (like oil, solar, and nuclear). Each type of energy has unique characteristics and requires different technologies to convert it from a raw resource to a usable form of energy.

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Defining 'Production & Conversion'

PRODUCTION & CONVERSION | Broadly, this refers to the “energy sector” or the various processes and technologies involved in extracting, processing, transporting, storing, and converting resources into usable forms of energy.

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Defining 'Forms of Energy'

FORMS OF ENERGY | Energy can neither be created nor destroyed; it simply changes form. Forms of energy refer to the states energy has been converted to so that it can be efficiently utilized for its end use, for example electricity or liquid fuels.

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Defining 'Energy Uses'

ENERGY USES | This refers to the end-uses society requires of energy. We don't care about a barrel of oil; we want transportation. We don't care about solar panels; we want electricity to power our lives. We all use energy to fulfill our basic human needs as it enables progress, productivity and quality of life.

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Solar PV

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) technology converts the sun’s energy into direct current electricity by using semiconductors.

Solar Pv

Definition

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) is a technology that converts sunlight (solar radiation) into direct current electricity by using semiconductors. When the sun hits the semiconductor within the PV cell, electrons are freed and form an electric current.

Solar PV technology is generally employed on a panel (hence solar panels). PV cells are typically found connected to each other and mounted on a frame called a module. Multiple modules can be wired together to form an array, which can be scaled up or down to produce the amount of power needed.

PV cells can be made from various semi-conductor materials. The most commonly used material today is silicon but other materials, such the ones listed below, are being tested and used to increase the efficiency of converting sunlight to electricity.

The major difference between the technologies is the material used to generate electricity out of sunlight. Each type of material has different attributes, resulting in different applications and efficiencies. In general the efficiency of solar PV technologies varies, ranging between 6-18% at the moment.

Context

Solar PV first appeared in niche markets in the 1950s and slowly became more mainstream as it was used in off-grid applications

Unlike solar thermal technologies, solar PV relies on sunlight, which means that when the sun does not shine electricity is not produced.

Another advantage of solar PV’s is that it transitions electricity generation from large, centralized facilities to smaller, decentralized production sites (ie. residential rooftops). This turns former energy consumers into so-called “prosumers," people that can produce and consume their own electricity.

Traditionally, concerns about solar PV were about cost, intermittency and efficiency, but large-scale implementation and rapid cost decline[4]SolarServer. (2013). SolarServer. Retrieved from Indian SREC demand - prices fall in May 2013: http://www.solarserver.com/solar-magazine/solar-news/current/2013/kw23/indian-srec-demand-prices-fall-in-may-2013.html SolarServer. (2013). SolarServer. Retrieved from Indian SREC demand - prices fall in May 2013: http://www.solarserver.com/solar-magazine/solar-news/current/2013/kw23/indian-srec-demand-prices-fall-in-may-2013.html SolarServer. (2013). SolarServer. Retrieved from Indian SREC demand - prices fall in May 2013: http://www.solarserver.com/solar-magazine/solar-news/current/2013/kw23/indian-srec-demand-prices-fall-in-may-2013.html SolarServer. (2013). SolarServer. Retrieved from Indian SREC demand - prices fall in May 2013: http://www.solarserver.com/solar-magazine/solar-news/current/2013/kw23/indian-srec-demand-prices-fall-in-may-2013.html SolarServer. (2013). SolarServer. Retrieved from Indian SREC demand - prices fall in May 2013: http://www.solarserver.com/solar-magazine/solar-news/current/2013/kw23/indian-srec-demand-prices-fall-in-may-2013.html SolarServer. (2013). SolarServer. Retrieved from Indian SREC demand - prices fall in May 2013: http://www.solarserver.com/solar-magazine/solar-news/current/2013/kw23/indian-srec-demand-prices-fall-in-may-2013.html in places like Germany and USA have revealed more complex issues such as grid compatibility, lack of solar industry expertise, and the use of rare and precious metals that make up the cells.

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